Liverpool host Villarreal at Anfield, Liverpool, on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 in a UEFA Champions League league-phase clash, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 WAT. This Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction arrives with the Reds perfect in Europe this season but patchy domestically, having lost three of their last four in all competitions, while Villarreal have won just one of their six away games. That contrast is exactly what makes this such an interesting tie to bet on.
Our Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction, betting tips and team news guide breaks down everything ahead of the 20:00 WAT kick-off on Tuesday night. The hosts’ flawless continental record and Villarreal’s blank history at Anfield point towards a home win, but the visitors’ 3-1 European win over Napoli shows they cannot be taken lightly.
Liverpool vs Villarreal Match Preview
This Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction has all the ingredients of a classic European night at Anfield. The Reds sit fifth in the UCL league phase with a perfect 6 points from 2 games, while Villarreal are still searching for consistency on the road after winning just one of their six away fixtures this season. Their 6-3 win at LASK underlined their attacking threat in Europe, while domestically they have lost their last two league outings – 1-2 at Brentford and 0-3 at home to Manchester City.
Team Recent Form
Liverpool – L-W-L-L-W (most recent first):
- L 1-2 Brentford (a)
- W 6-3 LASK (a, UCL)
- L 0-3 Man City (h)
- L 1-0 Bournemouth (a)
- W 3-1 Tottenham (h, EFL Cup)
Villarreal – D-W-L-W-W (most recent first):
- D 0-0 Elche (h)
- W 3-1 Napoli (h, UCL)
- L 0-1 Real Madrid (a)
- W 3-1 Levante (h)
- W 3-1 Malaga (a)
Their 3-1 home win over Napoli – covered in our Villarreal vs Napoli prediction – underlines that the visitors can produce on European nights.
Key Stats
- Liverpool are perfect in the UCL league phase with 6 points from 2 games (5th place)
- Villarreal have never scored at Anfield in any competition
- Villarreal have won just one of their six away games this season
2-0 – Liverpool’s perfect European record and Villarreal’s blank history at Anfield point to a controlled home win.
Liverpool vs Villarreal H2H
Ahead of this Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction, the clubs have met four times in European semi-finals, with Liverpool progressing on both occasions:
- Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal (2021/22 UCL semi-final, Anfield)
- Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool (2021/22 UCL semi-final)
- Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool (2015/16 UEL semi-final)
- Liverpool 3-0 Villarreal (2015/16 UEL semi-final)
Pre Game Odds
- Liverpool win: ~1.48-1.60
- Draw: ~4.20-4.80
- Villarreal win: ~6.00-6.50
The bookmakers make Liverpool strong favourites, with the draw and an away win both available at long odds.
Team News Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong are out with muscle injuries, while Hugo Ekitike (calf) and Conor Bradley (knee) are also out. The one boost for the hosts is the return of Ryan Gravenberch from suspension.
Team News Villarreal
No injury concerns have been reported ahead of Tuesday’s 20:00 WAT kick-off, so the visitors should have a clean bill of health to select from at Anfield.
Predicted Lineups
Predicted lineups are not yet reliably available.
Liverpool vs Villarreal Betting Tips
Here is our full Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction for the main betting markets, with the Reds backed to keep their perfect European record intact:
Tip 1 – Result: Liverpool win. The Reds are perfect in Europe this season with 6 points from 2 games, and Villarreal’s poor away record makes the hosts the clear pick at Anfield.
Tip 2 – Over-Under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals. Liverpool’s European games have produced goals – including their 6-3 win at LASK – and the hot tip expects the goals to flow at Anfield.
Tip 3 – BTTS Yes-No: No. Villarreal have never scored at Anfield in any competition, so backing the hosts to win to nil has real appeal.
Planning your week? Take a look at upcoming football matches to see what else is on the schedule.
That is our full Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction – back the Reds to keep their perfect European record going at Anfield.
